Sony DADC has launched a new Media Packaging Solutions facility for customers at its London office. One key packaging area that the company has identified as a focus for this new business team is eco-friendly packaging.

Working closely with designers at its headquarters near Salzburg, Austria, Sony DADC has developed a number of sustainable packaging solutions which minimise the carbon footprint.

A key addition to the Sony DADC product line is a new packaging solution called Bend-it Green. It can be made from 100% recycled or FSC/PEFC certified material and is fabricated from a single piece of cardboard. Bend-it uses eco-friendly soya vegetable ink, eco-friendly glue and water-based varnish.

Bend-it Green is easy to use (bend out disc holder), it contains no plastic and provides carbon footprint savings of more than 50% compared to Digipak. It is full-surface printable, cost efficient and easy to recycle as there is no separation of components.

Bend-it Green is available in various CD and DVD options with multiple pages (including 4pp, 6pp, 8pp) and an additional booklet insertion is possible in sleeve, slot, pocket or glued booklet form.

The BRIT Awards Album 2009 is the first of its kind to be awarded the Industry Green Standard for CD packaging, branded as the Music Industry Green Mark.

In addition to its purpose designed packaging products, Sony DADC has established a Green Partner Programme which implements eco standards that are more exacting than those applied under current EU standards.

The Green Partner Programme ensures that all components and materials used in production by either Sony DADC itself or their contracted suppliers are tested to the highest standards of compliance. All Sony DADC suppliers are required to participate in the programme and testing is provided via independent testing laboratories.

“The environmental impact of manufacturing and production is a real concern today and through these specialized packaging solutions we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a disc,” explained Julie Walters (pictured), newly-appointed Sales Manager of Media Packaging Solutions. “We can provide the widest range of packaging, using a broad diversity of packaging components and printing methods. In addition we offers "Finishing on Demand" services for various Digipack options thus helping its customers save time and money. Sony DADC is so much more than just a disc manufacturer.”

Story filed 09.04.09